Why We Should All Be Using the QAT with Our Gifted Students

Gifted learners thrive when they’re taught to think about their own thinking. This article introduces QAT (Question as Thinking)—a powerful metacognitive framework that helps students become more self-aware, independent, and engaged learners. By guiding students to ask better questions, reflect on their thought processes, and actively seek answers, QAT transforms classrooms into spaces of deep learning and intellectual ownership.

What’s Inside:

• A clear overview of QAT and why it’s valuable for gifted education
• Practical tools and strategies, including:
• Think-alouds to model thought processes
• QAR (Question-Answer Relationship) strategies
• Self-questioning techniques to boost metacognition and engagement
• Explanations of how QAT promotes independence, resilience, and critical thinking
• A model lesson plan to help teachers apply QAT immediately

Why It Helps:

• Encourages students to take ownership of their learning
• Builds metacognitive skills that improve comprehension and performance
• Equips teachers with a framework for deeper, student-led inquiry

How to Use It:

• As a lesson planning guide for gifted classrooms
• To encourage richer classroom discussions and reflection activities
• For professional development or team planning sessions on metacognition

Empower your gifted learners to think deeply, ask better questions, and grow into confident, independent thinkers with QAT.